Errors – Have Some Faith in Magic

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During the months leading up to the release of Errors‘ third album, Have Some Faith in Magic, most of the anticipation has focused on the Glaswegian quartet’s reportedly non-instrumental pop shift. However, the notion that Errors have now gone pop is a disservice to the band.

For starters, pop tends to be a disparaging statement over a perceived transition towards accessibility. Besides, there has always been something immediately appealing behind Errors’ synth-based, genre-blending experiments, and it’s now more true than ever. With all its pomp and urgency, opener Tusk wages what could be the final battle between prog and disco in outer space, shimmering guitar riffs warring with warm, vintage synth textures over how the future will sound.

Vocals do play a significant role throughout the album, but in post-rock tradition, they are largely another instrument in the mix. Rather than a source of catchy choruses, vocals bring a Gregorian-esque chant to tracks such as Earthscore and Blank Media. Lead single Magna Encarta seamlessly grooves between the floaty and the rave-y for over six minutes, as echoed wailing takes charge. Finale Holus Bolus brings every element of Have Some Faith in Magic together and unleashes them for a climax as powerful as any traditional post-rock great.

Have Some Faith in Magic will not be spawning the next crossover hit, but it’s still a pop record in the feeling and influence it evokes. Although Errors are signed to Mogwai’s Rock Action label, their post-rock stylings are completely their own. Like Nisennenmondai and Battles, their approach to math rock is irresistibly danceable, and this side of Errors is complemented by electronics that are more akin to Warp Records than either post-rock or typical rave-friendly electro. The ambitious Have Some Faith in Magic marks the full realization of the Errors sound.